Tropes: Slow burn, fated mates, small coastal town, dual POV, dark MMC, emotional FMC, prophecy, mythology-inspired fantasy

I picked this up partly because I found out the author lives in New Zealand now (like me!) and the whole idea of a dark romantasy set in a coastal Scottish town instantly caught my attention. Sea of Evil and Desire is moody, rich in folklore, and has that eerie, magical vibe that makes you feel like something ancient is watching from the water.

This was actually my first mermaid-inspired fantasy, and I liked that it didn’t throw you straight into a complicated magic system. It gave me time to ease into the world, and it felt like I was figuring things out alongside Morgana. She’s a bit lost, grieving, and trying to make sense of everything, which made it easier to connect with her.

The underwater mythology was one of my favourite parts. It felt layered and real, and I loved the mix of Mer, Drowned, selkies, sea gods, curses, and legends. Sometimes the setting almost felt more powerful than the characters, but I didn’t mind. The ocean wasn’t just there in the background, it felt alive.

Morgana and Finn’s relationship had me interested, but I wanted just a little more tension or build-up before things progressed. It wasn’t quite insta-love, but it did get emotional quite fast. Finn gives off serious "duty before feelings" energy and I still don’t fully trust him, but I think that’s the point. He’s mysterious, a bit broken, and clearly hiding a lot. I’m curious to see how that plays out.

Morgana does read a little young at times for someone in her twenties, but it kind of made sense with her strict upbringing. She’s learning how to feel and trust and figure herself out, so I didn’t mind the naivety. There’s definitely room for her to grow and I’m keen to see that in future books.

There is some heat between the two, but nothing super spicy in this one. The writing is quite poetic and dreamy, which suits the vibe, though I can see it not being everyone’s cup of tea. For me, it worked.

The book ends with a soft cliffhanger and a whole lot of questions still hanging, so I’ll definitely be picking up the next one. If you’re into moody sea mythology, slow burn romance, and small town secrets, it’s worth checking out

Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is absolutely incredible and I can only hope that this is just the beginning of a full series!

The world-building is incredibly well written and it's so vibrant and full of magic. I absolutely loved the entire setting - the gray, the blustery weather and the beautiful different realms in the underwater world? It was absolutely incredible. I loved the lore and how detailed it was, and I also loved the cast of characters.

The romance was the only thing I found lacking - it started off good but I really would have liked it to be a bit more fleshed out, with more chemistry. The ages also really bothered me - I just wish she had been a little bit older!

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t quite for me. I found the storyline difficult to follow, mostly because there was so much happening in the world-building that it became overwhelming. The plot also wasn’t what I had expected—I went into it thinking it would be a more magical or whimsical read, especially with the inclusion of mermaids. However, it didn’t deliver on that front for me, and overall, I just struggled to connect with the story.

The following review was posted to Goodreads on June 25, 2025:

“4.5 ⭐️

I devoured this book and absolutely cannot wait for the next one! The vibes felt very reminiscent of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest - dark & moody, mysterious and based primarily in the ocean. There are mythical creatures, secrets to be uncovered, surprising friendships forged, a curse to be broken, forbidden romance and a slow burn tension between Finn & Morgana that is absolute perfection. The world building was so intriguing to me as well, with some mythical creatures I’m familiar with but also some additions that were new to me. The magic system is also interesting, with different creatures and realms of the sea gifted with different magical abilities.

I would say that this particular book is leans romance & plot forward but was light-er on spice, in my opinion, with only one graphic intimate scene making it a 1.5 🌶️ on my spicy scale. This story also ends on such a crazy cliffhanger that leaves me so ready for book #2, which is projected to be published in December! Thank you so much to NetGalley and J. Střelou for the opportunity to read this ARC of A Sea of Evil and Desire.”

This review can also be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7515693791

I absolutely devoured this book and truly have very little negative feedback. I did find a couple typing errors/misspellings in the copy I was sent and I do feel that the main character (Morgana) felt a little immature for her age at times, but overall it was a great read that fully immersed me in a world I can’t wait to return to in book #2!

Had an arc digital copy to review. I was really excited about this book because I’m a little obsessed with mermaids so this intrigued me!
Morgana goes back to town where her nan has mysteriously died and discovers a world that exists under the ocean she never knew she was a part of.

The world building under the ocean is beautiful compared to the almost too bright one above it. The main male lead is the merman which is different to other books I’ve read and it feels like we will find out more about him and his history in further books. In fact there’s a lot more to learn about most of main players in the story.

There are a few things I think irked me a little. It felt at the start like a YA book but grew as the story progressed. Morgana was in her 20s but seemed much younger, I would have liked it if she felt a little bit more mature somehow. Also the friend she made at the shop, well she was never heard of after about half way through the book.

Anyway - borrow buy or bin. if you love mermaid novels then this is BUY

I’m really excited to continue on this adventure with the mer and selkies!

This dark and addictive Mer fantasy romance totally pulled me under! The setting, moody, windswept Ruadán’s Port, is rich with folklore and eerie atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for a story full of ancient feuds, cursed legacies, and a touch of spice.

Morgana is a relatable heroine with a unique gift, and I really enjoyed watching her journey unfold as secrets started to surface.

The romance is a slow burn (with the right amount of tension 👀), and Finn? Let’s just say the mysterious MMC trope is done very well here.

If you're into morally grey characters, fate-driven plots, and dark coastal vibes, this one’s for you.

A strong start to what feels like a haunting, emotional series. I’ll definitely be diving into the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher
for the ARC

This was an atmospheric and beautifully written book with serious coastal gothic vibes. The setting felt alive on the page. It had that cold, moody pull of an old seaside town full of legends and secrets. I loved the mythological details and how they were layered into the story.

Morgana and Finn’s romance was slow and tension-filled, with a connection that grew gradually. I appreciated that their bond wasn’t instant. It had weight behind it, especially as the stakes started to rise.

The beginning was a little slow for me. Some chapters felt dense and took effort to get through. I found myself drifting a bit early on, but the second half picked up and delivered some really satisfying moments.

If you like folklore, sea curses, emotional magic, and a slow-burn romance with depth, this is a solid pick. It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but it had moments that really stuck and a tone I won’t forget.

I loved the idea of this story, a magical underwater world was something I was really interested in reading. The whimsical, magical storytelling was nice and I have friends who have really enjoyed that element. That was probably my favourite aspect of the book. The execution for me fell a bit flat unfortunately.

The pacing felt quite slow for the majority of the book, I found it quite difficult to stay focused on this story. It didn't really start picking up until around 60-70% which is quite a lot to get through to get to the good stuff.

Our FMC felt much younger than she was, and her standards for romance were very low. The romance felt a bit insta-lovey, it felt like there wasn't enough development or depth to their relationship. It was very quick and intense without feeling earned. I think this book would have been better as YA. The writing style, the story, and the maturity of the characters would have suited it much better.

"What would Tom Cruise do?" took me out of the story really badly.

All in all I think if you don't mind the writing style and your reads being a little slow, you might love this! It just wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and author J. Střelou for this e-ARC of Sea of Evil and Desire.

This was something different and adventurous. It's a dark Romantasy in a world of lore, myth and sea creatures.

I usually love books with aquatic based mythology, and while I like the concept of the book, for some reason I really struggled connecting to the characters. The FMC, Morgana, and the MMC, Finn, felt pretty superficial and uninteresting. The romance between the two of them was also very surface level, based more on lust and attraction rather than an emotional connection. I loved the reveal at the end and the cliffhanger the book left us with! Even though I didn't love the characters the ending makes me want to continue with book 2. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

This intriguing novel combines elements of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and Celtic folklore to create a rich and atmospheric reading experience. The story centers on Morgana Scott, a young woman burdened with the ability to sense other people's emotions – a "condition" that isolates her and fuels her overprotective mother's anxieties. The death of her grandmother provides an escape, leading her to the windswept and mysterious town of Ruadán's Port on the Isle of Islay. Strelou vividly paints a picture of this seaside locale, steeped in superstition and haunted by tales of mythical creatures.
Morgana's arrival coincides with the approach of Samhain, a time when the veil between worlds thins, and age-old secrets threaten to surface. This perfectly crafted timing enhances the sense of unease and anticipation. We are immediately invested in Morgana's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her abilities and the secrets her family has kept hidden.
The introduction of Finn further deepens the intrigue. He is a compelling and enigmatic figure, a stark contrast to Morgana's sheltered life. His unreadable nature becomes a powerful draw, fueling the central romance while simultaneously hinting at a deeper, potentially dangerous connection to the town's history. The forbidden nature of their potential relationship, intertwined with the ancient conflict between the Mer and the Drowned, adds a layer of suspense and complexity to the narrative.
Sea of Evil and Desire is a captivating read for fans of paranormal romance and urban fantasy with a strong dose of Celtic mythology. J. Strelou skillfully crafts a world full of mystery, danger, and forbidden desire. It's a book I highly recommend.

I tried my best to enjoy this but I feel the pacing of the plot being so slow had me often drifting off in boredom. I liked the different take of the legends of selkies and inspiration from them, but the pacing really took away from it. I ended up DNF'g but will try to pick this one up again later.

In my opinion, the book was overall just okay. I thought I was going to read an adult dark fantasy romance but I wouldn’t necessarily call this book dark my any means and the FMC came off very juvenile. This is more a coming of age, new adult than a dark adult fantasy romance. Overall, I would give this book 2.5⭐️

"Sea of Evil and Desire" by J. Strelou is a captivating dive into a world brimming with dark mer fantasy and irresistible romance. While it started off a little slow for me, once the story picked up, it became absolutely unputdownable! This debut is a strong 4 out of 5 stars, and I'm already eager for more.

What truly set this book apart and kept me utterly hooked was the rich blend of folklore and mystery. The way J. Strelou weaves in Scottish and Celtic mythology around Mer, Selkies, and ancient feuds is simply masterful. It creates an incredibly atmospheric and unique setting in Ruadán's Port that felt both eerie and enchanting. The underlying mystery, revolving around an ancient prophecy and a hidden world beneath the waves, kept me constantly guessing and eager to uncover the truth.

The romance between Morgana and Finn is another major highlight. It's a slow-burn with palpable chemistry, building from intriguing tension to a truly compelling connection. Finn, the dark and enigmatic Mer, is utterly captivating, and Morgana's journey of self-discovery as she's drawn into his world is incredibly engaging. Their dynamic is the heart of the story, making every interaction count.

While the initial chapters felt a touch slow as the world was being established, this minor point quickly faded into the background as the plot gained momentum. The lyrical prose and immersive descriptions are beautiful, pulling you deep into this dangerous and alluring underwater realm.

Overall, if you're looking for a dark fantasy romance that blends unique folklore, a gripping mystery, and a tantalizing slow-burn romance into an addictive read, then "Sea of Evil and Desire" is definitely one to pick up. J. Strelou has crafted an impressive debut that promises an epic saga!

at the start I was immersed and I did enjoy it but the more I read the more red flags were popping up for me. the characters in this did not read their age. the main character is 20 and she felt 16. one of the love interests is 28, and again he read 16/17. other than the romance, this book read like a middle grade book: the plot, the writing, the characters.

the story took so long to begin and it felt like I was reading set up for the first 40%.

it did pick up around the 60% mark but unfortunately it was not enough for me to rate the book as a whole higher.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this book, but I DNFd at 46%. I feel like the writing was familiar and the concept was interesting it was overall wasn’t for me. There were a few spots where I felt like there was logic that didn’t add up, like the fmc age was ambiguous bc she said the girl was supposed to be going to college but also said she was 4 yours younger than another character that they said was 20 and she was from the modern US where a majority of college students start at at least 18. A 16yr old fmc is too young for me. They also reference Instagram and Netflix and chill and that wasn’t a major ick for me but it’s not preferred. And there’s a line where the mmc compares fmc eyes to aquamarine and then also calls them emeralds in the same line… and those are 2 very different things imo. I also felt like it was kind of slow for an urban fantasy. Overall I just wasn’t enthusiastic about it unfortunately. I might come back to it later but for now I would just prefer to read something I I'm really captivated by

Sea of Evil and Desire gets a solid 3.5 stars from me! I was completely drawn in by the *incredible lore and world-building*, especially the fascinating underwater society of the Mer and the Drowned – their ancient feud, politics, and unique culture were the absolute highlight. The atmospheric setting on a superstitious Scottish isle was perfectly moody and immersive, too. Morgana's empathy power was an intriguing hook, and Finn was suitably mysterious.

Why not higher? While the world shone, the central romance between Morgana and Finn felt "rushed". Their fated connection lacked the deep development needed to feel truly earned, making it harder to invest. The pacing also dragged a bit in the middle before picking up for the climax. Ultimately, the rich mythology and unique premise make this worth a read for fans of dark, folklore-inspired fantasy, and it feels like a promising series start – I just wanted "more" depth in the romance and a smoother flow.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this story because I couldn't get into the writing and the FMC annoyed me. She seemed very immature and it drove me nuts.

Was unsure when i first started the book then got sucked into a world of mer, selkie and drowned. The story keeps you wanting to know more, finding out the secrets that have been hidden for years.
I look forward to the next book as we are left of on a cliffhanger.

I was lucky enough to receive a PR box from the author, and everything was stunning from the packaging to the divine book cover and beautiful chapter headings. This was my first adult mermaid book, and it truly delivered!

The story was whimsical, immersive, and rich with world-building that felt natural and engaging. The underwater setting mixed with a small coastal town vibe gave it the perfect eerie-yet-cosy atmosphere

Tropes I loved: Dual POV, Dark & Mysterious MMC, Slow Burn, Political Intrigue, Unique Lore, Romantasy, and a magical Scotland setting. The mix of mer, selkies, sirens, and Drowned was fascinating, and I’m already eager to learn more in book two!

With layered twists, compelling characters, and a dark, mythical edge, this romantasy is a must-read for fans of sea lore and emotional depth. I’m already counting down to the sequel!